Charleston Homes for Sale | Lemon Lane Home

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Cozy Up, Charleston: How to Prep Your Fireplace for Chilly Southern Nights

Here in Charleston, we might not get snow-covered winters, but when those cooler evenings roll in, nothing beats the comfort of a crackling fire. Whether you have a charming historic home downtown or a modern house in the suburbs, prepping your fireplace for the colder months is a must. After all, fireplaces aren’t just for ambiance—they’re for creating memories, warming hearts, and, let’s be honest, a perfect excuse to sip on some mulled wine. 🍷 So, before you light that first fire, here are some tips to make sure your fireplace is ready for cozy season. 1. Clean It Up (Or Call in a Pro) Start with a good cleaning! If your fireplace hasn’t been used since last winter, there’s likely a bit of soot and creosote build-up. These can be fire hazards if left unchecked. A professional chimney sweep can make sure everything is clean, safe, and ready to go. (Bonus: they’ll check for critters that might have made your chimney their summer Airbnb.) 2. Check Your Chimney and Flue Charleston’s humidity can take a toll on chimneys, especially in older homes. Check for cracks, loose bricks, or other signs of wear. Also, test that your flue opens and closes properly—it’s your fireplace’s “on” and “off” switch. No one wants smoke wafting into their living room during family movie night! 3. Stock Up on the Right Firewood Not all wood burns the same. For a cleaner, longer-lasting fire, stick with seasoned hardwoods like oak or hickory. They burn hotter and with less smoke—perfect for those occasional chilly Lowcountry nights. Avoid burning green or softwoods, which can create excess creosote. 4. Don’t Forget the Hearth The hearth is the heart of your fireplace! Give it a little TLC by cleaning off ash and soot, and consider sprucing it up with some tasteful decor for the season. Think candles, pinecones, or a garland for that classic Lowcountry charm. Just keep flammable decor at a safe distance! 5. Invest in Safety Tools Whether you’re lighting a fire once a year or every night, safety comes first. Have a sturdy screen or glass doors to keep sparks at bay, a fire extinguisher nearby (just in case), and a carbon monoxide detector in your home. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 6. Give Gas Fireplaces Some Love, Too If you have a gas fireplace, don’t forget to inspect the logs and burners. Make sure the pilot light is functioning, and clear away any dust or debris. If you’re unsure, a quick check-up from a pro can give you peace of mind. 7. Make It a Focal Point Your fireplace can be the star of your home during the colder months, so make it shine! Add cozy blankets, a stack of books, or a basket of firewood to create that inviting, Southern-chic vibe that Charleston homes are known for. As we settle into cooler evenings and holiday gatherings, there’s nothing better than a well-prepped fireplace to bring everyone together. If you’re dreaming of finding a home with a stunning hearth—or thinking about selling your home and showcasing its fireplace as a feature—let’s chat. I’d love to help you find or stage your perfect Charleston space. Stay warm, Charleston! 🏡✨ Warmly,Tara BittlRealty One Group | Lemon Lane Living
Thanksgiving Dinner Out: Where to Enjoy a Festive Feast in Charleston

Charleston, known for its award-winning cuisine and warm Southern hospitality, is a picture-perfect destination for the holidays. This Thanksgiving, set aside the kitchen stress and allow Charleston’s best chefs to delight you with memorable meals infused with Lowcountry flavor. Whether you’re craving a unique twist on classic dishes or a cozy spot to gather with family, Charleston’s vibrant dining scene has you covered. From pumpkin risotto at Revival to a traditional herb-roasted turkey at Gabrielle, and Carolina crab cakes at 82 Queen, there’s no shortage of delectable options. Let Charleston’s finest restaurants welcome you to a relaxed holiday season you’ll remember fondly. Below are just a few of the many wonderful places ready to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable. (Remember to contact each restaurant directly for the latest on reservation availability.) Charleston Thanksgiving Dining Guide 82 QueenLocation: Charleston/DowntownHighlight: Carolina Crab Cakes and Bourbon Pecan Pie Charleston Harbor Fish HouseLocation: Mt. Pleasant Church and Union CharlestonLocation: Charleston/Downtown GabrielleLocation: Charleston/DowntownHighlight: Herb-Roasted Turkey with Thyme Gravy and Orange-Cranberry Relish RevivalLocation: Charleston/DowntownHighlight: Pumpkin Risotto High CottonLocation: Charleston/Downtown Slightly North of BroadLocation: Charleston/Downtown Swamp Fox Restaurant & BarLocation: Charleston/Downtown The Atlantic Room at The Ocean CourseLocation: Kiawah Island Virginia’s on KingLocation: Charleston/Downtown From classic Southern comfort to refined seasonal dishes, Charleston’s Thanksgiving dining options cater to every taste. Spend the holiday surrounded by the city’s warmth, good food, and unforgettable views. Ready to experience a magical holiday season in the Lowcountry?
Exploring Curtain Styles and Window Treatments

When it comes to window treatments, curtains are a timeless favorite, but understanding the different styles and how to hang them can be transformative. Not only do they add softness and warmth to a space, but curtains also serve as an opportunity to express your personal style. Beyond curtains, there’s a wide range of window treatments like plantation blinds, shutters, and rattan blinds that can further enhance your home's aesthetic. Let’s dive into the different curtain looks, how long they should hang, and ways to decorate with alternative window treatments. Different Curtain Looks and Styles Curtains come in various styles, each bringing a distinct vibe to a room. Here are some of the most popular curtain styles: Traditional Drapes: Full-length drapes that often pool on the floor create an elegant, sophisticated look. These are ideal for formal living or dining rooms. Sheer Curtains: Light and airy, sheer curtains are perfect for rooms where you want to filter natural light without sacrificing privacy. These look great in casual spaces like bedrooms or sunrooms. Grommet Curtains: With metal rings at the top, grommet curtains have a modern, sleek look. They slide easily across the rod, making them practical for spaces where curtains are frequently opened and closed. Rod Pocket Curtains: A more traditional style, rod pocket curtains have a sewn-in pocket at the top where the curtain rod slips through. These work well for stationary curtains that are more decorative than functional. Pleated Curtains: These provide a tailored look and are often used in formal settings. There are many pleat styles to choose from, including pinch pleats, box pleats, and goblet pleats, depending on the desired level of formality. How Long Should Curtains Hang? The length of your curtains can dramatically affect the overall look of your space. Here are some common curtain lengths: Just Above the Floor: Curtains that stop right above the floor are a great choice if you prefer a clean, modern look. This length works well in high-traffic areas where you want to avoid the hassle of floor-grazing fabric. Touching the Floor: Curtains that lightly kiss the floor create a balanced and polished look. This is ideal for achieving a tailored appearance without feeling too formal. Puddled on the Floor: For a luxurious, romantic look, let your curtains extend a few inches beyond the floor, creating a puddling effect. This works well in formal or vintage-inspired spaces but requires a bit more maintenance. Complementing with Other Window Treatments While curtains are a classic choice, there are many other window treatments that can add texture, depth, and functionality to your windows. Here are some alternatives to explore: Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a timeless, structured look. These wooden shutters can be painted to match your interior decor and are perfect for controlling both light and privacy. They’re also easy to clean and highly durable, making them a great long-term investment. Use them in living rooms, bedrooms, or even bathrooms for a crisp, tailored appearance. Blinds (Wooden or Faux Wood) Blinds offer a clean and minimalist look, with options for adjusting light control. Wooden or faux wood blinds give a warm, natural touch to any room. They are versatile, blending well with various decor styles from coastal to rustic to modern. They’re especially well-suited to kitchens, offices, or spaces where you want flexibility with light filtering. Rattan Blinds (Woven Shades) If you want to add texture and an organic feel, consider rattan or woven shades. These natural fiber blinds bring warmth and a casual, bohemian vibe to any space. Pair them with sheer curtains to create a layered look that balances softness and texture. Rattan blinds are great for sunrooms, bedrooms, or beach-inspired spaces. Roman Shades Roman shades are an elegant, streamlined option for window treatments. When raised, they fold neatly, and when lowered, they provide full coverage. They can be made in various fabrics, giving you options to introduce color or pattern into your room. Roman shades are perfect for spaces where you want a tailored, clean-lined look without the formality of drapes. Shutters Shutters, particularly in traditional or plantation style, offer a classic architectural element. They provide excellent privacy and light control while adding a substantial, custom look to windows. Whether you opt for full shutters or half shutters (café style), they are a great choice for living rooms, kitchens, and sunrooms. Layering Window Treatments For a polished and custom look, don’t hesitate to layer different window treatments. Combining blinds or shades with curtains adds depth and dimension to a room. For example: Pair sheer curtains with rattan blinds to soften the natural texture of the blinds. Match wood blinds with heavy drapes for a traditional, upscale feel in living rooms. Combine plantation shutters with Roman shades to mix structure and softness, adding both functional and visual appeal. Window treatments are an essential element of interior design, not only for their functional value but also for their ability to elevate a room’s aesthetic. Whether you choose classic curtains, plantation shutters, or woven rattan blinds, the key is finding the right balance between function, style, and your home’s personality. So, explore the possibilities, and don’t be afraid to layer different treatments to create a look that’s uniquely yours!

REVIEWS

brandon d woodson

Tara was extremely competent and went above and beyond to help us secure our home. We had an extremely tight timeline and many things to accomplish with our move to the Charleston area. She was there every step of the way to make the home purchase process as smooth as possible.
naturalbody1313

Tara did an outstanding job assisting with our process buying our first home in the Charleston area. Tara is extremely knowledgeable, responsive and has great ideas regarding future renovations. Tara has connected us with excellent people in the industry which has made the buying process smooth. She definitely goes above and beyond!
nick2413

Tara managed to make the home buying process incredibly easy despite my wife and I being first time home buyers looking for houses in both PA and NJ in this highly competitive market. We are not originally from the area so she worked very closely with us and helped us hone in on the exact types of areas that were right for us. Her dual licensure was a huge bonus because not many realtors in the area are able to work in multiple states, and she knows all the ins and outs of the guidelines in each state. She was also very knowledgeable about things to look out for that came in handy during showings. Tara was extremely responsive and available at all times to meet for a showing or to discuss any questions we had. She also helped with negotiation and we ended up closing in less than 3 months from starting looking with her but never felt pushed or rushed with any decisions. We definitely recommend Tara for anyone looking for a house in the greater Philadelphia area.
robbinsnyu

Tara could not have been any more accommodating and helpful when it came to looking for our new house. As we were relocating from out of state and did not know the area at all, she went out of her way to show us a wide variety of neighborhoods and house types to help us focus in on what we wanted. She was also straightforward about her thoughts on the pros and cons of each property and presented her observations in a clear and honest matter. It was refreshing not to have a realtor that was trying to sell us on every property we looked at. She is a consummate professional and we highly recommend her.
zuser20190331070812986

As a first time home buyer the process can be a bit daunting, especially buying from out of town. But working with Tara made the process so easy and stress-free. Can't recommend Tara and the work she does enough! Not to mention she's eco-friendly and still on top of every small detail every step of the way.
zuser20170405133134621

Tara was super knowledgeable and great to work with as a first time homebuyer. She shows homes with a realistic perspective on both the good and the bad and was great to work with. Would recommend!
brennamailey

We were so lucky to work with Tara on the purchase of our first home! She helped teach us everything we needed to know about the home-buying process and gave us great feedback about each home we looked at so we could make a well-informed decision. We also appreciated how responsive she was and never felt like we couldn’t reach out or that we were left with questions. Tara helped us navigate a fast-moving real estate market and we were thrilled to end up with the house that we did. I highly recommend her for anyone looking to buy a home, especially first time homebuyers!
elizabeth silvestro

Excellent realtor! We would absolutely recommend She was very informed, supportive, and understanding. She wasprofessional and supported us through every step of the process including a particularly difficult challenge!
zuser20200506140326111

Look no further, your real estate agent search has ended. Tara’s knowledge, communication, and advocacy is unmatched. Having her in my corner gave me the confidence to continue to find my home as I am sure she will for you.
crclarke0814

As first time home buyers we were incredibly fortunate to work with Tara. Her guidance and expertise made it possible for us to purchase our dream home!Tara expertly led us through the searching process, pointing out any costly fixes or interesting features. (She is incredibly knowledgeable about all home structural features, possible costs of fixes, local history, and much more!). She gently maneuvered us away from homes that were not a good fit, and encouraged us to follow through on homes that were. The daunting task of finding a home in a seller’s market during a pandemic was intimidating; Tara was critically important to our success in finding our beautiful home at an affordable price. She is professional, quick to respond, knowledgeable, will tenaciously fight on your behalf, and will lead you in the right direction. It was an honor and pleasure to have Tara as our agent. We will be recommending our family and friends to hire her in the buying or selling process!

WORK WITH US

Contact us today to get started on your real estate journey with the experts for Charleston and the Surrounding Areas.

Interior Design / CAD Projects

With over four years of dedicated service as a CAD designer that partners with Lemon Lane Living, Karine DesChamps is an invaluable member of our team. Collaborating closely with Tara, Karine specializes in rejuvenating older spaces for sellers aiming to market their homes without upfront repairs. Tara and Karine form a dynamic partnership, where Tara conceptualizes room redesigns and interior decor, and Karine brings these visions to life using CAD and Sketch Up. Karine expertise ensures that Tara's ideas are not only realized but are also practical solutions for space utilization and measurements. What sets our collaboration apart is the ability to offer clients innovative solutions beyond conventional real estate services. Working with Karine is a testament to true professionalism, genuine kindness, and a refreshing commitment to staying ahead of trends. Moreover, Karine's proficiency extends to transforming CAD designs into 3-D spaces using AI, adding another layer of creativity to our offerings. (AI is still a work in progress for most programs being used currently.) We are delighted to have Karine on our team, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to guide more clients from 'For Sale' to 'Sold!'

For more information on this service or selling your home. Please feel free to reach out directly to Tara below and she will be happy to share more details.

About Me

After being somewhat nomadic myself for many years, I realized the key to finding happiness in a new environment is surrounding yourself with a place that matches the authentic lifestyle you want to live and feeling like you belong to part of a community. My specialty is helping people find a home that allows them to feel their lifestyle and surroundings fit together. Whether that means they are buying or selling, my job is to make the transition as smooth as possible. As a real estate agent I'm driven, motivated and resilient. I've helped many first time home buyers find their dream property and successfully helped them through the home buying process. I've been a trainer/mentor for teams at Keller Williams, and I'm licensed in SC, PA & NJ, making transitions between the North and South states easy for those looking to make a change or buy a summer home. I have a Master of Science from WVU with my concentration in marketing, which allows me to prospect for Sellers using unique advertising techniques. I also own and run Lemon Lane Living (@lemon_lane_living), a lifestyle blog about Real Estate in the lowcountry. The site showcases my interior design work that I'll be implementing in my own home, as well as listings and locations throughout the greater Charleston area. I love what I do, and I'm passionate about helping others find a small piece of this great big world to call their own.

...and I love an Oat Milk Latte!